Zaniolo on his way to Turkey: "We are on our way out; a hug to all of you"

Italian striker Nicolo Zaniolo, still a Roma player, flew from Milan to Istanbul on Tuesday on a private flight to complete his transfer to Turkish Super League leaders Galatasaray.

"Yes, we are on our way out. A hug to everyone," the player confirmed when asked if he was travelling to the Ottoman capital at Milan-Linate airport.

This closes Zaniolo's spell at Roma. The striker was the star of the Italian winter transfer window when he forced his way out of the team managed by Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, who was not willing to let him leave at any price or in any way.

Milan were interested in signing the Italian international, but the figures between the two clubs were far apart. Bournemouth also tried with an offer of 30 million euros, but Zaniolo rejected the proposal, a decision that did not sit well with the board, Mourinho or the Roma fans.

Pending an official announcement, the player will sign between Tuesday and Wednesday a contract with the Turkish club for four seasons, until 2027, with a termination clause of 35 million euros; and will leave in the coffers of Roma 15 million plus another 7 million in variables, according to Italian media.